Man Kept His Illiteracy A Secret For 47 Years, And Then He Made A Life-Changing Decision

Norman Brown, from Bakersfield, California, struggled to read for 47 years, and kept it a secret from everybody. But one day he decided that he didn't want illiteracy to define the rest of his life.

His story of growing up in a country that makes it hard for anyone to function in society without having reading skills, keeping it a secret, and his life-changing decision to learn at the age of 47, is incredible and heartwarming.

According to a study by the U.S. Department of Education, approximately 32 million adults in the U.S. are unable to read. A study from Central Connecticut State found that Norman's hometown ranked as the least literate city in the United States.

Those who struggle living with illiteracy don't have the same opportunities when it comes to economic security, access to health care, and being able to actively participate in everyday life.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, "The link between academic failure and delinquency, violence, and crime is welded to reading failure."

In adulthood, Norman found it difficult to apply for jobs that required a written application, and even being around friends who wanted to partake in tasks that required some kind of reading or writing.

He told reporters that once he went to a dinner party and they wanted to play Scrabble, and he freaked out and had to excuse himself, feeling "totally embarrassed."

He eventually found help at the Kern Literacy Council, where he received tutoring to develop his reading and writing skills.

"When I come through these doors I feel so much power in here, so much knowledge, and if I could learn to read it I can do anything I want in my life," he said, describing every time he enters a library.

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